Santorini in May

Have you planned to visit Santorini in May?

Congratulations!

May is probably the perfect time to explore Santorini, to discover all of its nooks and crannies, and to take amazing photos of Caldera sunsets.

Do you like walking? The Fira to Oia hike in the month of May is a real pleasure, even through most of it unfolds in full sun, with barely any shadow.

May is the best month to enjoy the hiking trails on Santorini, thanks to the milder climate. Try this in July or August and you’ll see how the scorching heat feels on those trails.

Spring is the season that dresses up Santorini in colorful blossoms that make such prefect Instagram photo spots! As tourist crowds are still low, you’ll have the best photo spots to yourself, provided that you can wait for a few minutes.

Before we begin, check out this heated pool accommodation at Athina Suites in Fira. The hot tub, the caldera views, and the luxury amenities determined many of their guests to give it top rankings.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Santorini in May.

Feel free to copy this bucket list exactly or to adjust it to suit your preferences.

Explore Santorini without Sweating

May offers the perfect temperature-humidity mix, with nice, warm days and cool evenings.

Daytime temperatures roam around 73°F (23°C).

In Santorini during May, the average sea temperature is around 19°C (66°F).

The water temperature gradually increases throughout the month:

Early May: 18-19°C (64-66°F)
Late May: 19-20°C (66-68°F)

While this might feel cool for some swimmers, many visitors do swim in May, especially on warmer days. The water is usually warmer in protected bays and coves compared to open water areas.

For comparison:

April sea temperature: ~17°C (63°F)
June sea temperature: ~22°C (72°F)

You can try swimming in the sea at Perissa, Perivolos of Kamari beaches. If that’s too cold for you, book a hotel with heated pool.

Check out this 6-hour private sightseeing tour that allows you to visit all important landmarks with a private driver and professional guide.

In Santorini during May, rainfall is typically very low. Here are the specific details:

Average rainfall in May:

Only 7-8mm of rain for the entire month
Usually just 2-3 rainy days in total
Most rain, if any, tends to occur in early May
By late May, rain is extremely rare

This makes May one of the driest months in Santorini, especially compared to:

Winter months (December-February): 70-80mm per month
Spring months (March-April): 25-35mm per month

If it does rain in May, it’s typically brief light showers rather than heavy downpours.

This low rainfall, combined with mild temperatures and increasing sunshine, is one reason why May is considered part of the ideal shoulder season for visiting Santorini.

May is out of the peak season, so you won’t find the July – August crowds on the island.

Pack layers of light clothing and bring a jacket to keep you warm in the evening.

Take Photos of Wildflowers around the Caldera

The last month of spring brings amazing photo opportunities across the volcanic island landscape.

Bougainvillea and colorful wild flowers make such as lovely contrast to the Skaros Rock, for instance, that you’ll feel the urge to take hundreds of photos from all angles.

Enjoy this blossoming scenery as you hike along the footpaths connecting the different villages and towns on the island.

Get a Flying Dress Photo Shoot

May is on the verge of the peak season. Even though the island is bustling with visitors, you can still find tranquil places to enjoy your flying dress photo shoot and to create unforgettable memories.

Click the following link to read my article about organizing a flying dress photo shoot, then make your choice and book your date early.

The Prehistoric Museum, Afroessa Winery, Santo Winery and all of the beaches in Santorini remain uncrowded until late May or June.

If you’re used to taking cold showers, you’ll probably be able to enjoy swimming in the sea, particularly in the afternoon hours, when the sun shines and the sea is warmer than early in the morning.

Enjoy Caldera View Hotels for Cheaper

There’s good availability for hotels and villas in Santorini in May.

Check out this heated pool accommodation at Athina Suites in Fira. Book it now to benefit from early bird discounts.

With many hotels, villas and Airbnbs sitting empty still, great deals can be scored resulting in huge savings.

Luxury stays with sunset caldera views are often up to 50% cheaper compared to peak summer rates.

Budget rooms, studios and apartments cluster, especially around Fira, offer great value this time of year too.

Most of the resort amenities like multiple pools and restaurants will probably be open to welcome guests by mid-May.

Santorini Open Air Cinema

Located on a hillside in Kamari village, the summer Open Air Cinema launches each year in April much to the delight of visitors and locals alike.

From old black & white Greek films to international blockbusters and documentaries, open-air movie screenings under the stars make for a magical Santorini experience.

Enjoy fresh popcorn and drinks from the onsite cafe as you relax into beanbag chairs and cushions spread over three terraced levels.

Shows run nightly after sundown with tickets costing around €8-10.

Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

Wine tasting in Santorini is a great idea all year round. May, however, is the perfect month to try it, as wineries would have fewer guests for this type of event.

Check out this Santorini wineries small group tour with 12 wine tastings to see the latest prices and to book your date.

Grape vines awakening from winter dormancy begin sprouting tender foliage through the volcanic soil while spring showers nourish the developing fruit.

Sample fresh, young vintages at places like Gavalas Winery, Boutari and Halaris Winery without fighting swarms of summertime tourists.

Most wineries remain uncrowded until cruise ship passengers descend in May. If you come to Santorini on a regular trip, make sure to check the dates when cruise ships arrive, in order to avoid booking your wine tasting on those dates.

Snorkeling & Watersports

Beach clubs start rolling out their lounge chairs and umbrellas while retaining a tranquil atmosphere.

Thrill seekers can also take advantage of lower prices on watersports like jet skiing, stand up paddle boarding, scuba trips and more.

Hiking & Sightseeing

Crisp spring air coupled with moderate temperatures creates the best conditions for exploring Santorini’s scenic hiking trails and stunning panorama viewpoints.

Walk along the cliffside between Fira and Oia, summit the highest peak at Profitis Ilias, meander down to the ruins of Ancient Thira or navigate the rocky lunar-like landscape surrounding the dormant volcano.

With fewer tourists clogging up the footpaths and attractions in April, you can properly immerse yourself in the island’s raw natural beauty and ancient history without disruptions.

Taste the Best of Santorini’s Cuisine

In May, most restaurants and tavernas offer plenty of fresh seafood, authentic Greek specialties, and local wines at affordable prices.

Restaurants with caldera views would still be expensive, but that’s the price you pay for the view.

May is the time to enjoy authentic dining experiences minus the long wait times or reservations needed in the coming months.

Check out family-run tavernas in smaller villages, in order to taste the best specialties.